Defending Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal’s foot injury is not thought to be serious, BBC Sport understands.The world number one was troubled by the problem during his fourth-round victory over Argentine Juan Martin del Potro on Monday.The 25-year-old Spaniard underwent a scan and is set to practise on Tuesday.He is scheduled to play American Mardy Fish in the last eight in SW19 on Wednesday and could face Britain’s Andy Murray in the semi-finals.BBC tennis correspondent Jonathan Overend said: “Early indications are that Nadal’s injury is not serious and he will be able to play tomorrow. However, we are still awaiting the official result of his MRI scan.”After completing an impressive four-set victory over Argentine Del Potro, Nadal said: “I don’t know what the problem is, I will get it checked out. I’m worried for sure.”At one moment at the end of the first set I thought I might have to retire.”To hit my forehand was very tough. I felt something really strange when it was at 6-5 in the first set when I called to the trainer. I pushed hard with a forehand and I just felt something crush in the back of the foot. I didn’t know what went on.
“I changed the position of the foot so I was able to continue, but with pain.”Nadal is unbeaten at Wimbledon since the 2007 final, but was unable to compete at the tournament in 2009 because of knee problems.The Mallorcan had 10 minutes of treatment at the end of the first set of his win over former US Open champion Del Potro and had his foot strapped by the trainer.”With the tape it changed the direction of the support and it didn’t hurt me that much,” he added.Del Potro had his own injury scare during Monday’s match, slipping and falling to the grass at 2-2 in the third set.He remained on the ground, clutching his left hip and then left the court for treatment but returned within minutes to continue as Nadal won 7-6 (8-6) 3-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4. – BBC
